Page 10 of Hostile for the Holidays

I don’t have a boyfriend.

My thoughts ping-pong as I try to come up with a solution to this mess.

But just maybe, I could pretend.

Would Jasper play along?

He was awfully good at pretending to be concerned about me on the plane.

Jasper’s gaze lifts from me to Daniel, then back to me. I do my best to send him a silent plea. I hate the thought of pleading with Jasper but the alternative in this situation is worse.

“There you are,” I say, leaning into Jasper’s clean scent to escape Daniel’s overly manufactured one.

“You left your water bottle on the plane.” He hands me the pastel pink metal bottle.

“Oh, thank you so much,babe.” Jasper’s brows lift at the term of endearment. “You know it’s my favorite one. I don’t know what I would do without such a thoughtfulboyfriend.” I wrap my arms around Jasper’s waist and am surprised by themuscles that are present underneath his sweater. How firm and corded they are.

“Boyfriend?” Daniel groans behind me. “Sadie didn’t mention you were seeing anyone.”

I turn to face him, trying not to delight in his defeated expression.

“It’s a surprise. I haven’t told my family yet.” I motion between the two of them. “Daniel, this is Jasper. Jasper, Daniel. Daniel is Sadie’s fiancé’s cousin and he’s staying with my family over the holidays.” I do my best to keep my smile even but Jasper hasn’t said anything yet and it’s starting to make me squirm. Is he really going to play along? It doesn’t seem like something he would do for me.

Daniel extends his hand to Jasper. “Stella and I have history. Romantic history, so I’m ready to step in if you mess this up.” He motions between me and Jasper, but then his expression softens. “I like your sweaters.”

I’d completely forgotten that Jasper and I are wearing matching sweaters. It’s a nice touch to sell our supposed relationship, and for a moment I regret having said they were ugly.

“Thanks! Jasper’s grandmother made them,” I say, beaming with pride.

It’s quiet again and awkward tension settles between the three of us.

Okay, what now?

I glance around the area, trying to remember what I was doing before Daniel blindsided me.

“Oh, my suitcase!” I rush over to collect it from the carousel, but right before I can claim it, Jasper’s hand reaches around me, easily lifting it off the moving track and onto the ground.

“Thanks.” I bat my lashes sweetly and Jasper scowls at me.

We’ve got to wrap this up before he blows my cover.

“Do you two need a ride?” Daniel asks.

“No!” I shout before Jasper can answer. “We’ve got our own transportation. Thanks.”

“I guess I’ll see you at your house, Stella.” Daniel gives a final glance between me and Jasper before walking toward the exit, dropping the sign with my name on it in the trash on his way out.

“Okay, bye!” I give a quick wave as relief washes over me at Daniel’s departure. But then I turn to meet Jasper’s hard expression head on and wonder if I dodged one bullet just to be struck by another.

FOUR

JASPER

With Daniel gone,Stella turns around to face me.

On the plane, I had pulled her blonde waves into a messy ponytail. It had been a necessity when she was throwing up and now that I have a better view of her, it appears I didn’t do that bad of a job. A few loose hairs frame her heart-shaped face. She’s got more color now in her cheeks and lips than she did earlier, they appear to be returning to their natural rosy appearance, and her blue eyes are two bright gems piercing my soul.

She’s stunning and from the way those blue eyes are slowly narrowing at me with contempt, she must be feeling better.

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